Student Services

Campus Life

Students will find that there are many cultural, social, and educational events to attend and many activities in which they may participate.

Students can further develop their leadership skills by being an active member in one of over 140 clubs and organizations on campus.

Undergraduate Student Government

The Undergraduate Student Government, representating the University of St. Thomas undergraduate student body, is dedicated to advocating student concerns by working with faculty, staff, the administration, community leaders, and fellow students to promote positive change while staying true to the Catholic identity of this institution.

STAR (St. Thomas Activities and Recreation Board) and USG operations are financed by an activity fee assessed each full- and part-time undergraduate student each semester.

The Undergraduate Student Government is comprised of 39 representatives who act as the voice of the students at the University of St. Thomas. Members of the USG serve their constituents by working with faculty, staff, administration, and other students to promote positive change and foster tradition in an effort to provide students with an exceptional college experience both inside and outside of the classroom. Membership in the Undergraduate Student Government consists of six executive officers, two neighborhood and two residential senators, one legislative affairs and one commuter senator, two student athlete representatives, one commuter representative, one elections and credentials chair, one transfer student senator, one Residence Hall Association representative, the class president and two representatives from each class, one International Student representative, one Hana student representative, one STAR representative, one St. John Vianney representative, one student organization’s representative, one Student Alumni Council representative, one student diversity relations representative, one student spirituality representative, one sustainability representative, and advisers, including the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and the director of Campus Life.

The USG functions in an advisory capacity to administrative decision making.

Participation in Faculty Committees

Students of the undergraduate program work cooperatively with the faculty and administration on seven committees: the Student Life Committee, the Grievance Committee, the Committee on Discipline, the Undergraduate Planning and Policy Committee, the College of Arts and Sciences Curriculum Committee, the Undergraduate Committee on Studies, and the Budget Advisory Committee.

The function and authority of these commit-tees may be found in the Student Policy Book.

Student Organizations and Clubs

There are approximately 140 clubs and organizations at the University of St. Thomas. Clubs and organizations are available in a range of interests, including academics, sports, honors and service. Choosing to be involved is a great way to develop and build relationships with your peers and the university community. Most importantly, getting involved at St. Thomas is an excellent way to enhance social, interpersonal, problem solving, leadership and other important skills.

The Undergraduate Student Government and the Department of Campus Life oversee all student organization recognition and funding processes. Some of these clubs are organized around the career objectives of their members or according to their major field of interest; others are organized according to common interests. Some professional, service, and social fraternities have chapters on campus.

A description of all the clubs, organizations, and other types of involvement on campus is available online. An Activities Fair is held at the beginning of each semester to allow interested students to learn more about the clubs.

Intercollegiate Athletics

The intercollegiate athletic program includes twenty-two varsity sports.

During the spring semester the offerings include 5-on-5 and 3-on-3 basketball, floor hockey, sand volleyball, dodgeball, and kickball.

Aerobic classes are also offered and students, faculty and staff are encouraged to use the recreational facilities for leisure enjoyment.

Student Publications

Each student publication has a faculty adviser or advisers, or a managing editor, but the university delegates editorial freedom and responsibility to the editors, giving them latitude to carry out editorial responsibilities. The university is the official publisher of all student publications.

TommieMedia

TommieMedia is the student produced on-line news source at St. Thomas. Its primary purpose is to serve as a voice of the St. Thomas community.

Students produce stories using a variety of digital formats, including video, slideshows, audio and text, social media are emphasized to build an audience of community members throughout the university. TommieMedia is a member of the Associated Press and its stories are available to all AP members. Applications are available on-line at tommiemedia.com.

The Aquinas

The Aquinas is the university digital yearbook, and its student staff captures the school year’s events through words, pictures, videos, and graphic theme. The current yearbook, as well as the opportunity to view and search past yearbooks, is available online throughout the year. Applications for Aquinas student staff positions are made available through the Aquinas yearbook managing editor’s office in the Anderson Student Center suite 325.

Summit Avenue Review

Summit Avenue Review is the literary and visual arts magazine at St. Thomas. Designed and edited by students, the magazine publishes poetry, fiction, literary nonfiction, photography, and other visual art from the St. Thomas community. Work on the magazine begins in early fall, with a first submissions deadline in December and an April publication date. Inquiries should be sent to the Department of English. The magazine’s Web address is: http://www.stthomas.edu/summitavenuereview

Musical Organizations

Student music ensembles appear regularly in concerts on campus, perform in a variety of venues in the Twin Cities area, and tour nationally and internationally.

Instrumentalists and vocalists can choose from a diverse selection of large and small ensembles – bands, orchestra, choirs, jazz ensembles (both vocal and instrumental), staged musical theater productions, ensembles for pianos, guitars, woodwinds, brass, strings, percussion, and new and popular music. Membership in most ensembles is by audition. For details consult www.stthomas.edu/music.

Dean of Students Office

The Dean of Students Office assists and supports students in achieving their academic and personal goals. Staff are available to answer questions, to help resolve issues or concerns, and to refer students to the appropriate department, office or community resource.

The Dean of Students Office provides a variety of programs and services for undergraduate and graduate students. These include new student orientation, student advocacy services, students’ rights and responsibilities information, judicial/conduct services, ombuds and parent liaison services, emergency loans, off-campus student services and the publication of the online Student Policy Book.

Contact the Dean of Students Office at (651) 962-6050, Room 241 Anderson Student Center, or www.stthomas.edu/deanofstudents.

The Online Student Policy Book

The Student Policy Book is published by the Dean of Students Office. It contains information regarding the Student Code of Conduct and expectations, guidelines and policies that govern student life. All students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the expectations outlined in the online Student Policy Book and will be held accountable for upholding the university’s policies. It can be found at www.stthomas.edu/policies.

Anderson Student Center

The Anderson Student Center is the campus gathering space that provides an exceptional environment and opportunities for students, faculty, staff, alumni and neighbors to participate in and contribute to the activities of the University community. Tommie Central, located on the first floor of the ASC, is your one stop shop for campus information, resources, tickets to campus and community events and equipment rental. Home to ’85, a state of the art gaming area, Bowling and Dance, there is always something to do in the Anderson Student Center.

Campus Ministry

Campus Ministry believes that the depth of our faith powerfully affects the way we live and who we become. It is because of this that Campus Ministry invites students, faculty and staff of all faiths and religious traditions to explore their faith more fully through the many worship, service and personal growth opportunities offered here.

In addition to eight full-time professionals, Campus Ministry employs peer ministers and over twenty-eight student employees. The staff coordinates the religious life of the campus and offers a variety of programs.

Numerous worship opportunities are available, including daily, Sunday and special community Masses, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Adoration, morning prayer, and ecumenical services. Students can participate in worship through the Liturgical Ministers Program, Schola Cantorum, and the Liturgical Choir.

Campus Ministry also provides opportunities to serve the broader community through the Volunteers in Action program and VISION J-term and spring break volunteer service trips.

To inspire personal growth, Campus Ministry has a number of programs including prayer groups, retreats, pastoral counseling and referral, marriage preparation, crisis intervention, and special groups for support.

Campus Ministry also offers the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) to those who are preparing for Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation in the Catholic Church.

The Office of Campus Ministry is located in Suite 207 of the Anderson Student Center.

Counseling and Psychological Services

Counseling and Psychological Services is available to help students deal with a wide variety of concerns from the concerns of daily living to problems of a more serious nature. Personal Counseling provides individual counseling, groups, workshops, seminars and consulting services on a variety of topics. Walk-in hours are available every day and are listed in the Daily Bulletin. Complete confidentiality is maintained in accordance with legal requirements and the professional code of ethics. The Counseling and Psychological Services website has an extensive self-help section including anonymous screening for depression, anxiety, alcohol and eating disorders: www.stthomas.edu/counseling. Counseling and Psychological Services is accreditated by the International Association of Counseling Services.

Career Development Services

The Career Development Center provides expertise and information to students and alumni. This includes assistance with the tools and methods necessary for finding jobs and internships. The department provides individual assistance and convenient access to quality resources.

Individual counseling, seminars and a variety of resources are offered to assist in:

Self-assessment and vocational testing

Career choice

Major field choice and change

Researching specific careers and employers

Seeking internships, full-time, part-time and summer employment

On-campus interviewing

Utilizing technology in career development

Career Coaching and CounselingConfidential, individual appointments and work-shop presentations are used to assist students with skill building and career planning. Students explore their interests, values and abilities to determine possible career options.

Web ServicesOur services can be accessed on the Web from campus, work, home, or anywhere with an Internet connection. Our Website is an invaluable asset, acting as a technological enhancement to broaden the reach of our services. It features seminars, handouts and information produced by our office, as well as suggested links to career resources on the Web. http://www.stthomas.edu/careerdevelopment

Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS)

OCSS provides hospitality, information,programs, resources, and services to all students with an emphasis on students living off-campus including commuters, non-traditional students, and students that live in the immediate neighborhood. Programs and services include: First-Year Commuter Advisors and Neighborhood Student Advisors, off-campus housing listings, renter education materials, e-mail updates, bus route information, a refrigerator, computers and a printer for student use. OCSS is located on the second floor of the Anderson Student Center, room 253. Phone: 651-962-6138; Website: http://www.stthomas.edu/offcampus

Student Diversity and Inclusion Services

Student Diversity and Inclusion Services, consistent with St. Thomas/ Catholic tradition, is concerned with providing a comprehensive system of advocacy and support for U.S. students of color and immigrants. The goal is to improve retention and the quality of the University of St. Thomas experience. We strive to prepare all students to think and act responsibly when confronted with the myriad diverse and changing needs of their local community and the world at large.

Student Diversity and Inclusion Services initiatives are designed to:

Provide advocacy and mediation services for all students.

Increase retention of U.S. students of color and immigrant students.

Provide selected scholarships for undergraduate U.S. students of color and immigrant students (permanent resident, asylee and refugee).

Identify and honor students, faculty and staff whose actions support the creation and maintenance of an inclusive, civil and welcoming campus community.

Create partnerships with academic and administrative departments to serve students.

International Student Services

International Student Services provides advising and programming to support international students as they pursue their educational, career, and personal goals. This includes promoting the full integration of international students into the university community and intercultural training for students, faculty and staff.

International Student Services provides the following services and programs:

Orientation programs (2-4 days) for new students about academic, cultural, legal, and practical life at a U.S. university

Immigration advising for all F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrant students and scholars

Tommie Central

Tommie Central is the information desk and hub of the Anderson Student Center (ASC). At Tommie Central, members of the university community can reserve bowling lanes, ASC lockers, recreational equipment for use in the ASC, and purchase tickets to many UST campus-sponsored events (including campus dances and concerts for students), as well as discounted tickets to many local Twin Cities cultural, theatrical and athletic events. A sampling of tickets includes local theater productions, museums, athletic events, movie theaters, and specialty entertainment.

Tommie Central also offers rental of a wide variety of outdoor camping, sporting and athletic equipment for a minimal fee.

Housing

The University of St. Thomas houses approximately 2,500 students in its residence halls and apartments.

Living on campus provides students with a welcoming, inclusive and fun environment. Through the student and professional staff members living in the residence halls, students are engaged in a variety of programming and are encouraged to get involved on campus.

The Department of Residence Life offers traditional residence halls and apartment style living on the St. Paul campus.

Living on campus provides the convenience of living close to classes and faculty along with extra amenities like wireless internet access, study areas, computer labs, and recreation space. Nestled in a residential neighborhood in the city, students find St. Thomas to be a safe campus. The Department of Residence Life works to enhance the safety of students on campus through ground level security screens, ID card access, sprinkler systems, and night access staff. UST Public Safety is available 24 hours a day and a professional residence life staff member is on call each night.

Upon admission to the undergraduate program, each student will have an opportunity to make a $200 housing deposit with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. This deposit acts as a request or application to housing.

Priority for housing is based on the date the housing deposit is received.

Continuing students apply for housing for the coming academic year in the spring semester. The application process and deadlines are published in the Bulletin and on the residence life website during the spring semester.

On-campus dining offers the most convenient options. Resident students of Dowling, Grace, John Paul II, Murray, Brady, Ireland, and Certin Halls are required to purchase a meal plan.

All of the residence halls are described in detail on the residence life website including building amenities, room furnishings, floor plans, and 360 degree photos. Information on what to bring and what not to bring is provided on the website and included when housing assignments are mailed to new students.

Information and policies for residence life are found in theStudent Residence Agreement and theResident Student Handbook. Both are available on the residence life website.

Visit www.stthomas.edu/residencelife for additional and updated information about living on campus.

The Anderson Student Center offers several new and upscale dining facilities that will meet the needs of our guests.

T’s Restaurant, on the 1st floor, is a dining experience that includes morning Alakaf coffee, our home-baked pastries and breakfast make to order. Build your own sandwich with our natural meats and cheeses, now with a toasted option. We also offer broiled fresh hamburgers, grilled chicken, and a variety of melt sandwiches, fries plus a rotating menu of specialty hot sandwiches from the grill. Try the newest addition to our menu offerings, the Action Station, preparing and serving ethnic dishes to order by our chef. Grab and Go items, soup, beverages and snacks round out the offerings in this venue.

Summit Marketplace, also on the 1st floor, is a convenience store concept with a focus on healthy food choices such as fresh fruit, salads made daily, and gourmet sandwiches. Fresh brewed Alakaf coffee, espresso, gourmet coffee specials, and fountain drinks are available as well as a large assortment of bottled Pepsi products. Need a pencil, batteries, chapstick, cough syrup? This is the place to find them, as well as an assortment of chips, cookies and candy.

The View, on the 2nd floor, is available to anyone who enjoys an “AYCTE” All You Care to Eat Environment. The View is an exciting and on-trend dining destination so named for its beautiful overlook of O’Shaughnessy Stadium. Featuring many new and diverse serving lines, including the “Taste of Italy” Open Hearth Pizza Oven, and “Your Call!” where students may select from fresh, local, and sustainable produce to be prepared right in front of them by one of our many talented chefs. "Greens" is the salad bar, there are Delicatessen fresh prepared sandwiches, cereal and assorted other options along with the waffle bar and dessert section. Peace Coffee is also available to guests dining in The View.

The Loft, on the 3rd floor, is the place to get Peace Coffee, specialty drinks, and smoothies, and Izzie's ice cream while enjoying a great view overlooking the atrium. Gourmet sandwiches, salads, and snacks are also offered. Great place to start the day, mid-morning snack or the afternoon pick-me-up.

Pit Stop is located on the lower level Koch Commons between Brady and Dowling Residences. It provides smoothies, frozen yogurt, large fresh baked pretzels with various toppings, deli sandwiches, pizza, quesadillas, and snack items.

Binz Refectory is located on the south campus adjacent to the soccer field. Students who have a food service contract, commuter students and guests may dine in the West dining room. Students rave about the burger and deli specials along with the 20-topping ice cream bar.

Beakers is located on the second floor in the Owens Science building. It features Starbucks Fair Trade specialty coffee and espresso, Deli Express and Gourmet Sandwiches, and various snack and beverage items.

Food for Thoughtrestaurant is located on the second floor of the 1000 LaSalle building, offering several different display cooking stations including Asian, Mexican, Grill, Deli, Panini’s, Pizza, Salad Bar, Soups and a variety of other food, snacks, and beverage selections. We also feature Starbucks coffee in the Food Court.

Health Services

The University of St. Thomas provides students with access to a comprehensive medical clinic staffed with physicians (Internal Medicine, Family Practice, and Psychiatry), nurse practitioners, physical therapy, dietician and registered nurses. The clinic is located in the lower level of Brady Residence Hall. Regular clinic hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Same-day appointments may be available for acute illness, however it is preferred that you call 651-962-6750 to schedule an appointment. Services include a certified travel clinic, care of acute and chronic illnesses, allergy injections, sports related injuries, GYN exams, immunizations, laboratory services, physical exams, stress management, smoking cessation, etc. Students will be asked for a copy of their insurance card at the time of service. Co-pays or fees not covered by insurance will be billed to the student account.

Domestic students: Undergraduate students enrolled in 12 or more credits are required to demonstrate health insurance coverage annually. Students may voluntarily purchase the UST-sponsored health insurance plan during the enrollment period.Students who do not complete the health insurance verification process by the 10th day of classes will be automatically enrolled in and billed for the UST-sponsored plan.Students must enter their information via Murphy Online at http://banner.stthomas.edu.

International students:F-1 and J-1 international students on a St. Thomas I-20 or DS-2019 will be automatically enrolled in and billed for the UST-sponsored health insurance plan. F-1 international students who want to waive the UST-sponsored health insurance plan can submit their U.S.-based health insurance information that meets the minimum requirements via Murphy Online at http://banner.stthomas.edu.F-1 international students who do not complete the Murphy Online waiver process by the 10th day of classes will be automatically enrolled in and billed for the UST-sponsored plan. Those whose waiver request is approved will still be enrolled in and billed for an evacuation and repatriation plan. J-1 international students are not eligible to waive the UST-sponsored plan due to Department of State requirements.

Additional Health Records

The state of Minnesota requires Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR) and Tetanus/Diphtheria(Td) dates on all students. Immunization information is to be entered under the Student Service tab via Murphy Online at http://banner.stthomas.edu. Registration holds will be placed on students that do not enter this information by the 45th day of classes.

Wellness Center

The Wellness Center is dedicated to assisting students in developing healthy lifestyle choices and promoting behaviors that result in enhanced wellbeing. The center embraces the concept of wellness in developing the whole person.

The center offers programs, resources, and educational material on health promotion and illness prevention. The center is designed to increase the overall health of the university community and promote healthy lifestyle choices that will serve individuals throughout their lives.

The center is located in the lower level of Koch Commons. More information can be found online at: http://www.stthomas.edu/wellness

Campus Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety operates seven days a week 24 hours a day, on both the St. Paul and Minneapolis campuses.

The primary focus of the department is the care and safety of the students, employees, and guests of the University. Some of the services that are provided to the community are: immediate response to medical emergencies, responding to crimes in progress or suspicious persons, providing escorts, assisting with vehicle lockouts, doing jumpstarts, and conducting safety inspections and operations of the University’s lost and found. The department is also responsible for the campus wide emergency notification system. Students and employees are encouraged to sign up for this notification at http://www.stthomas.edu/ustcares/emergencynot/default.html.

The Public Safety officers are professionals, well trained in first aid, crisis management, emergency response, investigation, general safety, crime prevention and application of policies and laws.

For any on-campus emergency call 651-962-5555. For an off campus emergency please call 9-1-1. For all other matters related to Public Safety please call 651-962-5100. Students and employees are encouraged to program these numbers in their cell phones.

The Public Safety Office on the St. Paul campus is located on the first floor of Morrison Hall. Please use the north door for entrance. On the Minneapolis Campus, public safety and parking information can be obtained at the second floor skyway of the Law School (MSL 252).

The Public Safety Department maintains “The Campus Security and Fire Report.” The report is required by the Higher Education Act and includes a listing of crimes and fires within the campus boundaries. For details, please go to: http://www.stthomas.edu/publicsafety/securityact/

The Parking and Transportation Services Office, a division of the Public Safety department, is located at 2119 Grand Avenue, St. Paul. This office handles all parking questions, issues parking permits, sells Metro Transit bus passes, and processes UST parking tickets and appeals. These same services are available at MSL 252 on the Minneapolis campus.

Parking permits are required to park in all parking lots on the St. Paul Campus. On the Minneapolis Campus, only ramp and very limited surface parking is available. These parking contracts are only available for full-time employees and students.

Resident students are required to enter a permit lottery in order to be eligible to purchase a parking permit. Resident students are notified of the lottery process from Residence Life Office and the Bulletin.

Visitors to the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul Campus may park in the Anderson Parking Facility, entrance off of Grand and Cretin or at parking meters.

For the Minneapolis Campus, visitors, evening and part-time students, and others who do not have a Minneapolis Campus permit may park at the City of Minneapolis Ramp, 11th Street and Harmon Place. There is a reduced rate for parking in the evening. This ramp also connects to UST and downtown skyway system.

In order to purchase a parking permit, a current UST identification card is required and the purchasers are required to provide an accurate license plate number of the car.

Please consult: http://www.stthomas.edu/parking for more details on parking and transportation services.

The university also offers a free shuttle bus service between the Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses. This is available Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. with limited services on Saturday when classes are in session during Fall and Spring semesters. Check the Public Safety web page for current schedule information at: http://www.stthomas.edu/psps/.